Posted on 08/27/2016 3:23:25 PM PDT by Rennes Templar
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick is refusing to stand for the national anthem before games because he believes the United States oppresses African Americans and other minorities.
Kaepernick sat on the team's bench Friday night during the anthem before the Niners played host to the Green Bay Packers in an exhibition game. He later explained his reasoning in an interview with NFL Media .
''I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color,'' Kaepernick said. ''To me, this is bigger than football and it would be selfish on my part to look the other way. There are bodies in the street and people getting paid leave and getting away with murder.''
The 49ers issued a statement after Pro Football Talk initially reported on Kaepernick's stand, saying that Americans have the right to protest or support the anthem.
''The national anthem is and always will be a special part of the pregame ceremony,'' the team said. ''It is an opportunity to honor our country and reflect on the great liberties we are afforded as its citizens. In respecting such American principles as freedom of religion and freedom of expression, we recognize the right of an individual to choose to participate, or not, in our celebration of the national anthem.''
Kaepernick, who is biracial, was adopted and raised by white parents. He has been outspoken on his Twitter account on civil rights issues and in support of the Black Lives Matter movement.
Kaepernick is not the first U.S.-based athlete to use the anthem for protest. In 1996, NBA player Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf refused to stand for the anthem, saying the United States had a history of tyranny and doing so would conflict with his Islamist beliefs.
(Excerpt) Read more at foxnews.com ...
Funny coming from a guy who spends his time playing games with a lot of multi-millionaire blacks.....
“Don’t suspend him. Just Boo him everfy time he appears.”
Yep. Kaepernick needs to be loudly booed every time he steps on the field, whether it’s an away game OR a home game.
Color me confused, are people of color not inclusive of black people, OR are black people refusing to associate with people of color?
He’s always been a douche. Even before he called another player a nagger and got fined.
“...a country that oppresses black people and people of color”
I think this could be a great opportunity for Trump and all of us to address the issue directly at the watercooler Monday. Exactly what racist policies in our country is he referring to? Who has authored and championed them?
As others have said, this 'Racist' dog whistle is not blowing or working anymore.
(I know it's wishful thinking that reasoned dialogue will accomplish anything at this late hour, but hope does spring eternal...)
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NFL network is praising him.
There is still Slavery in parts of Africa. Who thinks Kapernick knows that?
He gets his info from Rap songs and Facebook.
Who is oppressed, the $80 Million QB who is served free Lobster and Steak by the team, or a poor schlep Cop who works the Midnight shift?
.
I haven’t watched an NFL-NBA-MLB- or any of the other alphabet leagues in 15 years. Except for the NHL and they are getting close to the PC edge. At least they have Don Cherry.
That's what happened to their Olympic team for not winning any medals in Rio.
Tell his team owners and managers that unless you teach this piece of shiiit hoodlum how to respect the America that made him rich just because he can entertain some of us...all of you professional sports teams are a thing of the past........
I knew he was a Muslim now. Typical.
Hope he gets cut from the team.
I would love to be an “oppressed” multimillionaire. Give the SOB a one way ticket to the country of his choice.
NFL: Negros, Felons, and Liberals. No one else invited.
This sorry piece of crap deserves the living hell he will receive the rest of his sorry life. BOYCOTT THE NFL UNTIL HE IS REMOVED!! I will not watch a game until he is removed!!
Nationwide fundraising for the hardest sack of this guy, everyweek.
I’m trying to remember when I actually cared about the NFL or NBA.
The wealthiest, most educated, most prosperous people "of color" are in the USA, with the rest willing to risk their lives to get here. Are they all coming here to be oppressed?
He and his teammates "of color" appear to be doing quite well for being "oppressed". What a pathetic, ill-informed disgrace. Cops shooting armed black criminals is what bothers him. No mention of the rampant black on black murder taking place in places like Chicago and Oakland which is right in his backyard.
I am sure the leftists in the cesspool of SF will applaud his stance. Heck, he might even get a key to the city out of it.
If this nonsense spreads to other NFL players, I look forward to the backlash.
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